Consequences Of An Arizona Sexual Misconduct Conviction

Potential Penalties For Sexual Misconduct Charges In Arizona

Sexual misconduct is a serious crime, whether it occurs in the workplace, at school, or in an interpersonal situation, such as on a date or when just hanging out with friends. If you are accused of sexual misconduct, it is important that you call an experienced Chandler sex crimes attorney right away to help you understand the charges against you and your legal actions. A vigorous defense could help clear you of the charges or reduce your penalties, both of which will help you to protect your future. The penalties for these crimes can be severe, and the non-legal penalties can follow you for many decades. A strong defense is your best chance to protect your quality of life long into the future.

Probable Charges For Sexual Misconduct

Before you can figure out what kind of penalties you may face, you need to understand the charges against you, and your criminal defense lawyer will help you do that. Sexual misconduct charges can involve incidents in the workplace, and they can include charges of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any behavior of a sexual nature that took place without the other person’s consent. The severity of the behavior and the circumstances surrounding the incident will determine the charges that are levied, as well as the potential consequences.

Sexual misconduct charges can also stem from situations involving a caregiver or person in authority, such as a doctor, a mental health therapist or counselor, a corrections officer, a public safety official, and so on. When a person is in a position of authority, such as a corrections officer or therapist, the issue of consent becomes more complex, and what some may consider consensual behavior can be ruled otherwise by the law.

Always work with an experienced Mesa sexual assault defense attorney to best understand the charges and how the circumstances could be interpreted by a judge or jury. Your attorney will help you understand how to mount the best defense, through interpretation of the law, witness testimony, and more.

Know The Penalties For Sexual Misconduct Charges

The penalties for sexual misconduct charges vary according to what the charges are. For example, if you are a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who has been charged with sexual misconduct with a patient, you could be convicted of a class 6 felony and sentenced to a year in prison and a fine of between $750 and $150,000. That’s if it’s your first conviction.

The penalties for a corrections officer are more severe. They can be convicted of a class 5 felony and sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined. If they are convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, they are convicted of a class 3 felony and can be sentenced to up to 3.5 years in prison and fined. Multiple convictions lead to more prison time.

But the jail time and fines are just some of the penalties you can face. Depending on the charges, you could also be ordered to register as a sex offender, which will make it harder for you to get employment, rent an apartment, volunteer, and more. Even if you don’t have to register as a sex offender, you will still have a criminal record that will make it hard for you to get future employment. You could even lose your professional license, making it impossible for you to ever practice in that profession again.

Contact a Sexual Assault Defense Attorney In Arizona

You must fight any charges of sexual misconduct aggressively if you are to protect your future. Call the sexual assault defense attorneys at Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law today to learn more about your options. An Arizona criminal defense attorney from our team will help you understand the charges against you and all the potential penalties. Your criminal defense lawyer will then walk you through the options for dealing with the charges, including fighting them or negotiating them. We are committed to providing you with a strong legal defense to protect your rights and your future. We serve clients throughout the Phoenix Valley area. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a sex crimes attorney and learn more.